Myanmar workers can now go to Malaysia

Migrant workers from Myanmar work at a construction site in Malaysia. Photo: Reuters

The Myanmar government will allow Myanmar migrant labourers to return to Malaysia after a six month work suspension by Malaysian authorities, according to Daw Khin Nwe Oo, the deputy director-general of the Ministry of Labour, Immigration and Population’s Labour Department.
Myanmar had been sending about 4,000 workers to Malaysia, monthly, until 6 December, when Malaysian Prime Minister Mr. Najib Razak criticized Myanmar’s policies in Rakhine.
“The Myanmar ambassador to Malaysia contacted us saying Myanmar workers can now go to Malaysia and work again,” said Daw Khin Nwe Oo. “On 27 June, we have sent notifications to the overseas employment agencies giving them the good news that Myanmar workers can now go back to Malaysia. Job offer letters endorsed by the labour attaché are now being received. We will issue permits after we have checked them step by step.”
U Kyaw Htin Kyaw, the general secretary of Myanmar Oversea Employment Agencies Federation (MOEAF), has already started sending Myanmar workers to Malaysia.
“We are very happy to send Myanmar workers to abroad. We’ve already started to send the workers,” said U Kyaw Htin Kyaw. “But some people who have already received appointment letters from Malaysia are not sure they can go back to Malaysia because of their family situations. Over 8,000 labours have already received appointment letters during the suspension period. Currently, we are contacting them.”
Myanmar workers will be sent back to Malaysia under the same policy as practiced before. People who want to work in Malaysia have to undergo a blood test. If they pass the blood test, they have to apply for a passport. Then, they have to send their CV forms and interview with overseas agencies. Selected candidates then attend training courses. Myanmar migrant workers mostly work in Malaysia and Thailand. When Malaysia has suspended receiving them, many Myanmar labourers sought to enter Thailand, according to the oversea employment agencies.